Ohio State wide receiver transfer Jayden Ballard commits to Wisconsin

Ohio State wide receiver transfer Jayden Ballard has committed to Wisconsin, he told On3’s Hayes Fawcett. Ballard is leaving the state of Ohio but will not have to go very far, still playing his college football in the Big Ten. A nice get for the Badgers as they look to rework the offense heading into the 2025 season.

Ballard spent four seasons in Columbus, playing in 35 games but did not fully break through in one of college football’s most talented position groups. He caught 11 passes for 177 yards with the lone touchdown of his career coming against Toledo in 2022.

Head coach Ryan Day felt comfortable enough putting Ballard out there on special teams with both punt and kick return. Eleven punt returns resulted in 63 yards while two kicks were returned for 23 yards.

Ballard did face his new team twice in Ohio State colors but was held in check. The wide receiver did not have any catches against the Badgers but did have one of those punt returns, going for six yards.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.

Wisconsin will now attempt to carve out a role for Ballard. Jeff Grimes was recently hired as the program’s new offensive coordinator, replacing Phil Longo. Head coach Luke Fickell felt the need to make a switch and needs results.

Additionally, there will be a game against his former team for Ballard. Ohio State will head to Madison on Oct. 18. A nice way to cap out what is his final year of eligibility in college football.

Ballard played high school football at Massillon (OH) Washington, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 84 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.